Commencement 2006 had a tall order to fill: As Juilliard's 101st, it not only marked the conclusion of studies for the 261 bright-eyed graduates who received degrees and diplomas on May 26, but also capped a jam-packed year of centennial celebrations. Seven distinguished individuals received honorary doctorates, including composer Milton Babbitt; dancer/choreographer Pina Bausch; theater director and outgoing Richard Rodgers Director of Drama, Michael Kahn; violinist Robert Mann; trumpeter and educator Wynton Marsalis; Juilliard trustee Elizabeth McCormack; and philanthropist Martin E. Segal. As the commencement speaker, Marsalis—himself a graduate of Juilliard and now a faculty member—was in a unique position to provide words of wisdom to those about to set out on the journey of a lifetime. The following is a transcript of his speech:

Listen to the speech or read a transcript. See a slide show of graduation day photos